Bicycle hub locking mechanism and parking system

ABSTRACT

A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/856,002, filed Aug. 13, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/233,648, filed Aug. 13, 2009, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to bicycles and, moreparticularly, to a bicycle hub having an integral locking mechanism thatcooperates with a bicycle parking stand or rack.

Automated bicycle rental systems have become increasingly popular. Suchrental systems typically include a number of rental stations locatedacross a city or other location. The rental stations typically includeone or more bicycle stands for supporting a number of rentable bicycles.The bicycles are secured to the bicycle stands by a locking mechanismsuch that the bicycles are incapable of being removed until payment oridentification for the rental of one of the bicycles is recognized.

The bicycle stands are in electronic communication with a rental kioskor the like. User's of the rental system use the rental kiosk or othermeans to provide payment and/or identification information for rentingof one of the bicycles for temporary use. Once the electronic means ofthe kiosk verifies the payment and/or identification, the kiosk enablesthe user the remove one of the bicycles secured to the bicycle stand byunlocking the locking mechanism. Thus, the user is free to take thebicycle and ride it around the city to go from place to place. When theuser is finished riding the bicycle, he or she returns the bicycle toone of the bicycle stations and secures the bicycle to the bicycle standfor subsequent use by another user.

Known bicycle rental systems suffer from a number of disadvantages. Forinstance, such bicycle rental systems are susceptible to a great deal ofwear and tear associated with the public use of the bicycles and bicyclestands of the bicycle rental systems. In addition, such publicallylocated systems are susceptible to vandalism and theft. Further, suchsystems often require the users of the bicycles to lift or otherwiseawkwardly manipulate the bicycles of the bicycle rental systems in orderto engage or disengage the bicycle with the bicycle stand for storage orremoval of the bicycle, respectively. Further, known bicycle rentalsystems often require relatively precise guidance of the bicycle withrespect to the bicycle stand so as to engage the bicycle with thebicycle stand.

Thus, it is desired to provide an apparatus that overcomes at least oneof the foregoing disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a bicycle hub locking mechanism thatallows bicycles to be selectively removed from a ground-based bicycleparking stand or rack. A front wheel hub assembly according to thepresent invention includes an axle that passes through the hub andsecures the bicycle hub to the frame. A locking device or engagementmember, such as a cap, is coupled to one or each end of the axle. Theengagement member may be a cap that is generally frustro-conical inshape, comprises a substantially circular cross-section, and has anappearance that resembles the head of a mushroom. The engagement memberis configured to slidingly engage a portion of a bicycle stand tosecurely couple the bicycle to the stand. Alternatively, the lockingengagement member may comprise a nut or loop integrally formed at an endof the axle for securing the front hub of the bicycle to the bicyclestand.

The bicycle stand according to the present invention comprises a pair ofspaced support members that define a bicycle parking space therebetween.One or each of a medial portions of the pair of spaced support memberscomprise a receiving member formed into a side wall of the supportmember. Preferably, the receiving member opens in two crossingdirections. The receiving member is configured to cooperate with a lockand interact with the engagement member of the front hub assembly so asto selectively secure the front hub of the bicycle to the bicycle stand.

Understandably, one or more of the particular features and advantagesdiscussed above may apply one or more of the various embodiments definedby the claims. It is appreciated that the aspects and features describedabove do not define the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of bicycle and a bicycle stand incorporatingthe bicycle hub locking mechanism and parking system according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the bicycle and bicycle stand ofFIG. 1 showing a front hub assembly of the bicycle in an unengagedposition with respect to the bicycle stand;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bicycle of the present inventionsecured to a bicycle stand according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the bicycle of the present inventionsecured to a bicycle stand according to yet another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the bicycle of the present inventionsecured to a bicycle stand according to still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric, exploded view of a support member of the bicyclestand of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is an isometric partial view of a lock of the bicycle stand ofFIG. 6 and an engagement member of the front hub assembly; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a the lock of FIG. 7 showing thelock in the locked and unlocked configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and, initially, FIG. 1, a bicycle 10having a front hub assembly 12 constructed according to the presentinvention is illustrated. Bicycle 10 includes a frame 14 having a downtube 16 interconnected between a seat tube 18 and a head tube 20. Aseatpost 22 is telescopically secured within the seat tube 18 and has aseat 24 for supporting a rider supported at an upward end thereof. Theseatpost 22 is selectively adjustable to accommodate different heightsof users of the bicycle 10. Although only down tube 16 laterallyconnects head tube 20 and seat tube 18, other bicycle frameconfigurations are envisioned such as those that may include a separatetop tube extending between the head tube and the seat tube. As usedherein, the term frame or bicycle frame is intended to encompass allsuch variations. A pair of seat stays 26 and chain stays 28 extendrearwardly from seat tube 18 and support a rear hub assembly 30 ofbicycle 10. Seat stays 26 connect the top of the seat tube 18 to therear dropouts (not shown). Chain stays 28 extend generally parallel to achain (not shown) of the bicycle 10 and connect to the rear dropouts.Rear hub assembly 30 rotatably supports a rear wheel 32. Rear wheel 32comprises a tire 34 secured to a rim 36. Rim 36 includes a plurality ofspokes 38 interconnected with the rear hub assembly for supporting thetire 34 of the wheel 32.

Referring to the forward end of bicycle 10, head tube 20 supports ahandlebar assembly 40. Handlebar assembly 40 includes handlebars 42 forsteering bicycle 10. Handlebar assembly 40 further includes handbrakes44 which are operably coupled to brake assemblies (not shown) associatedwith one or both of the front and rear wheel assemblies. Bicycle 10includes an optional storage container 46 that is coupled to handlebarassembly 40 and head tube 20. Storage container 46 is adapted forstoring or otherwise securing items while a user is operating thebicycle.

Head tube 20 may be constructed as a pair of supports configured forsupporting a bottom portion of storage container 46 or alternatively,head tube 20 may comprise a single tube like those generally known inthe art. A pair of forks 48 extend downwardly relative to head tube 20and are coupled to the hub assembly 12 of the front wheel assembly.Front hub assembly 12 rotatably supports front wheel 50. Front wheel 50includes a tire 52 that is supported on a rim 54. Rim 54 includes aplurality of spokes 56 that extend radially between rim 54 and front hubassembly 12. Understandably, bicycle 10 of the present invention maycomprise a number of different configurations in keeping with the spiritof the present invention. That is, bicycle 10 may comprise alternativeframe, wheel, support and/or suspension features and structures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, front hub assembly 12 according to thepresent invention includes a engagement member 58 that is fixedlycoupled to the front hub assembly 12. Preferably, front hub assembly 12includes a pair of engagement members 58, that is, one on each end ofthe front hub assembly 12. Engagement member 58 extends in an outwardlateral direction relative an axle 62 of the front hub assembly 12.Engagement member 58 may comprise a mushroom-shaped cap structure or anyother similarly shaped structure. Engagement member 58 is adapted tocooperate with a ground based bicycle stand 60, rack, or a bicycledocking location. Alternatively, engagement member 58 may comprise a nutor a loop configured to cooperate with bicycle stand 60. Preferably,bicycle stand 60 includes a pair of laterally spaced support members 64that generally flank a front wheel so as to maintain a parked bicycle ina generally upright or vertical orientation. Understandably, a bicycle10 according to the present invention may be constructed so that therear hub assembly 30 may be constructed to include the engagement member58 rather than the front hub.

Support members 64 are spaced apart from one another and define a frontwheel parking space 66. Parking space 66 is configured to cooperate withthe front wheel 50 of bicycle 10 to receive the front wheel 50therebetween. Support members 64 according to the present embodimentcomprise a substantially rectangular cross-section and are generallyblock-shaped so as to provide a spacing between adjacent support members64 thereby providing an operator ample room to dismount the bicycle 10once it has been docked at the bicycle stand 60. Each of support members64 includes a medially positioned receiving member 68 positioned on oneof the sidewalls 69 of the support members 64. Receiving members 68 areadapted to cooperate with the hub assembly 12 of bicycle 10. Moreparticularly, receiving members 68 are sized and shaped to cooperatewith engagement members 58 such that engagement members 58 can beslidably inserted into receiving members 68 of bicycle stand 60 suchthat the front wheel 50 of bicycle 10 is locked into place. Receivingmembers 68 may be a notch or similarly arranged receiver adapted forreceiving at least a portion of engagement member 58. Understandably,support members 64 may be configured such that only one of the adjacentsupport members 64 defining the parking space 66 includes a receivingmember 68. Correspondingly, front hub 12 may include an engagementmember 58 on only one, corresponding side thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative construction of the bicycle stand 60according to the present invention. Support members 64 of bicycle stand60 according to the present embodiment are generally inverted U-shaped.Support members 64 include a pair of legs 70 attached to the ground andextending vertically therefrom. Legs 70 are integrally coupled to oneanother by way of a laterally extending portion 72. Support members 64define a parking space 66 between legs 70 and beneath laterallyextending portion 72. As in the previous embodiment of bicycle stand 60,support members 64 include medially positioned receiving members 68configured to cooperate with the engagement members 58 of the front hubassembly 12 to thereby slidingly receive engagement members 58 thereinto secure bicycle 10 to bicycle stand 60. Support members 64 of bicyclestand 60 may include indicia 74 on a lateral surface thereof foridentifying support members 64 of bicycle stand 60. Support members 64may have a substantially rectangular lateral cross section,alternatively, support members 64 may comprise any other suitablecross-sectional shape including, but not limited to, trapezoidal. As inthe previous embodiment, support members 64 may include only a singlereceiving member 68 and front hub 12 may correspondingly include only asingle engagement member 58.

Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment of the bicycle stand 60according to the present invention is illustrated. Bicycle stand 60 ofthe present embodiment includes a plurality of spaced support members 64interconnected to one another by a laterally extending portion 75 thatextends along the ground surface to define a parking space 66 that isgenerally U-shaped such that the laterally extending portion 75 definesa resting place for the front wheel 50 of bicycle 10. Support members 64define a pair of vertically extending legs 70 integrally formed withlower laterally extending portions 75 to cooperate to define theU-shaped parking space 66. Each of legs 70 includes receiving members 68for receiving engagement members 58 of the present invention. Stand 60according to the present embodiment includes a plurality ofinterconnected support members 64 to define a plurality of receivingspaces 66 for docking a plurality of bicycles 10. The support members 64are interconnected with one another by way of upper laterally extendingportions 76. Once again, support members 64 may be configured so thatonly one of the adjacent support members includes a receiving member 68and bicycle 10 may have a front hub 12 that includes a single,corresponding engagement member 58 as is readily understood.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of bicycle stand 60. Bicycle stand60 comprises a plurality of interconnected support members 64 configuredto define a plurality of receiving spaces 66 for securing a plurality ofbicycles 10. Support members 64 comprise a pair of vertically extendinglegs 70 integrally connected to one another by way of a laterallyextending portion 78 to define the receiving spaces 66. As in theprevious embodiments, the legs 70 include medially positioned receivingmembers for slidably receiving engagement members 58 of the front hubassembly 12 of bicycle 10. The support members 64 are joined to oneanother by way of lower laterally extending portions 75 which define aspace between receiving spaces 66 to enable a rider to mount anddismount the bicycle 10 free of interference from an adjacent bicycle10.

It is envisioned that each of the various embodiments of the presentinvention can be configured to accommodate parking from one side, forthose applications where space proximate the rack is limited or whereinthe rack will be positioned adjacent a structure such as a building, oraccommodate parking from both sides where space permits. It isappreciated that in those instances where parking from both sides of therack is possible, staggering adjacent parking stalls to alternate sidesof the parking rack maximizes parking concentration in a manner thatallows adequate space adjacent each bicycle for rider mounting anddismounting. It is appreciated that, regardless of the specificorientation of the parking system, the parking rack can be configured tocooperate with a number of bicycles and bicycles having differentconfiguration provided the bicycles are equipped with the hub lockingsystem that cooperates with the bicycle rack. Once again, supportmembers 64 may be configured so that only one of the adjacent supportmembers includes a receiving member 68 and bicycle 10 may have a fronthub 12 that includes a single, corresponding engagement member 58 as isreadily understood.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a representative embodiment of a support member64 of bicycle stand 60 is illustrated. Support member 64 includes anouter housing 80 and an inner housing 82. Outer housing 80 includes anupper surface 84 and a pair of sides 86. Each of the sides 86 defines aflange 88 extending outwardly with respect to support member 64. A pairof apertures 90 are provided on each of flanges 88 and upper surface 84.Inner housing 82 has a shape, contour, and a structure that generallycorresponds to the shape, contour, and structure of outer housing 80.Inner housing 82 includes an upper surface 92 and a pair of sides 94that define outwardly extending flanges 96. Inner housing 82 isconfigured to be securely received within a cavity 98 defined by uppersurface 84 and sides 86. Inner housing 82 includes a pair of recesses100 on upper surface 92 and each of flanges 96. Recesses 100 arepositioned so as to be aligned with apertures 90 of outer housing 80.Fasteners 102, such as screws or bolts, are provided for insertionthrough apertures 90 and engagement with recesses 100 to secure theouter housing 80 to the inner housing 82. Each support member 64 definesone lateral wall of a pair of adjacent recesses for receiving frontwheels 50 of a pair of adjacent bicycles 10 as previously discussed.

A locking assembly 104 is secured between outer housing 80 and innerhousing 82. Locking assembly 104 comprises a pair of locks 106 that arelaterally positioned with respect to support member 64. Locks 106cooperate with receiving members 68 provided on each side 86 of outerhousing 80 such that engagement members 58 may be slidably inserted intothe receiving members 68 so as to engage locks 106 for locking bicycle10 to bicycle stand 60. Locks 106 comprise a body 108 having asubstantially rectangular cross section. Body 108 includes a number ofapertures 109 configured to be aligned with and cooperate with a numberof corresponding recesses 111 in sides 94 of the inner housing 82.Fasteners 113 are inserted through apertures 109 and into engagementwith recesses 111 to secure the locks 106 to inner housing 82.

The body 108 includes a receiving member 110 that extends rearwardlyfrom a vertically extending forward side of body 108. Receiving member110 houses a selectively moveable pin 112. Pin 112 is configured forselective engagement with engagement members 58 of bicycle 10 to secureengagement members 58, and thereby bicycle 10, relative to bicycle stand60 as described further below.

Locks 106 are coupled to one another by way of a strap 114. Strap 114 isconfigured to cooperate with the size and shape of housings 80, 82 so asto be secured therebetween without interfering with the interconnectiontherebetween. Strap 114 includes a first end 116 and a second end 118opposite first end 116. First end 116 includes a female connector 120and second end 118 includes a male connector 122. Female connector 120is configured to engage a male connector 122 of an adjacent supportmember 64. Likewise, male connector 122 is adapted to engage a femaleconnector 120 of an adjacent support member 64. Accordingly, supportmembers 64 are coupled to one another by way of connectors 120, 122.

Locks 106 are interconnected with a plurality of other locks 106 viastrap 114. Bicycle stand 60 is preferably in communication with anelectronic kiosk (not shown) or similar such system located proximate orremote from bicycle stand 60. Bicycle stand 60 is adapted fortransmitting the status of receiving spaces 66 to the kiosks such as towhether a particular parking space 66 is occupied or whether the bicycle10 is locked or unlocked. The electronic kiosk preferably includes meansfor allowing a user to submit payment for renting a bicycle 10 accordingto the present invention such that when the user submits payment, thekiosk transmits a signal along strap 114 to unlock one of locks 106 toallow the user to remove the bicycle 10 for riding. It is appreciatedthat the functionality of the kiosk could be integrated and/orphysically connected to the securable parking rack. It is furtherenvisioned that one or more racks within a bicycle ridable range beinterconnected for communication with one another. It is envisioned thata consumer at an empty rack interact with the rack or kiosk so as to beadvised of a nearest available bicycle secured at another rack.Inversely, a consumer or renter wishing to return a bicycle and comingupon a full rack, may interact with the rack and/or kiosk so as tolocate the nearest rack with available parking. It is further envisionedthat each rack/kiosk interact via a web based portal so that possibleconsumers can locate an assess rack and bicycle quantity conditions fromlocations remote from any rack. It is further envisioned that such aninterface allow users to reserve a bicycle at a given location for agiven duration. It is envisioned that indicia 74 provide an indicationto consumers proximate a given rack or kiosk that a particular vehicleis no longer available for use even though the vehicle is present andsecured. Such a system allows efficient managing of bicycle stocks.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a lock 106 isillustrated. Pin 112 of lock 106 is preferably a hydraulically operablepin, though any other suitable such latching pin may be used in carryingout the present invention. That is, it is envisioned that electric,pneumatic, and mechanical locking systems are equally applicable to thepresent invention. Although pin 112 may directly interact with arespective engagement member 58, pin 112 interacts with a toggle arm 124that is rotatably attached to lock 106. As shown in FIG. 8, pin 112 isselectively actable so as to be positioned in one of a raised andlowered position so as to lock and unlock lock 106 respectively. Whenraised, pin 112 interferes with counterclockwise rotation of arm 124.Said in another way, arm 124 can rotate in a clockwise direction, suchas for parking of a bicycle at an open position of a respective rack,but cannot rotate in a reverse direction thereby retaining a parkedbicycle 10 relative to lock 106. When the appropriate authorization isprovided indicating that a bicycle has been rented or is authorized forremoval, pin 112 retracts so that arm 124 is free to rotate in eitherdirection including a counterclockwise direction necessary fordisengagement of engagement member 58 from lock 106.

It is appreciated that pin 112 may directly interact with engagementmember 58 so that, when pin 112 is in the raised position, pin 112 isconfigured such that it may be selectively engaged to receive engagementmember 58 of front hub assembly 12 to thereby secure bicycle 10 tobicycle stand 60. However, when pin 112 is in the raised or lockedposition, a bicycle 10 docked at bicycle stand 60 may not be removedfrom bicycle stand 60. Regardless if pin 112 interacts with an arm 124or directly interacts with hub 12, a bicycle 10 parked at bicycle stand60 is secured in place and may not be removed without first moving pin112 to an unlocked position.

Although pin 112 is shown as being operable in a direction that isgenerally aligned with an orientation of arm 124, it is envisioned thatpin 112 could interact with arm 124 in a direction that is generallyaligned with an axis of the pivot of arm 124 and/or be configured tointeract with the axis of rotation of arm 124 so as to prevent movementof arm 124 when pin 112 is in the locked position.

Thus, in operation, a user wishing to rent a bicycle 10 may make apayment at an electronic kiosk or remote interface. Once payment isreceived and verified, and/or appropriate bicycle authorization has beenconfirmed, the kiosk transmits a signal to the bicycle stand associatedwith a specified parking space 66 to lower pins 112 associated with thecorresponding support members 64. As such, an individual may simplymount bicycle 10 associated with parking space 66 and remove bicycle 10therefrom by slidingly moving engagement member 58 out of receivingmember 110 of lock 106. When an individual wishes to return a bicycle toparticular parking space, the individual may simply engage locks 106with engagement members 58 of bicycle 10 to thereby return and securethe bicycle in place. Preferably, each bicycle 10 includes a bicyclespecific identifier so that, upon return, even at a non-originatingparking space 66 or even a different parking rack, the bicycle parkingand securing system can readily identify specific bicycles that havebeen returned to inventory and those bicycles that have not beenreturned to inventory.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modifiedforms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments andcombinations of elements of different embodiments as come within thescope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle parking system, comprising: a firstsupport member including a first fixed notch and a first lock configuredto obstruct a portion of the first notch, and a second support memberincluding a second fixed notch and a second lock configured to obstructa portion of the second notch; wherein: the first support member and thesecond support member are configured to flank a bicycle frame; the firstfixed notch and the second fixed notch are a fixed distance apart; thefirst notch is configured to slidingly accept a first rigid engagementmember mounted on a fork of the bicycle frame; the second notch isconfigured to slidingly accept a second rigid engagement member mountedon the fork of the bicycle frame; the first lock is configured tocapture the first rigid engagement member; the second lock is configuredto capture the second rigid engagement member; and the first lockcomprises an arm configured to obstruct the portion of the first notchand a pin configured to lock the arm.
 2. The bicycle parking system ofclaim 1, wherein the bicycle can be selectively secured relative to thesupport members when the locks are in a locked position and the bicyclecan be removed from the support members only when the locks are in anunlocked position.
 3. The bicycle parking system of claim 2, wherein theportion of the first notch is an entrance to the first notch.
 4. Thebicycle parking system of claim 1, wherein the first notch and thesecond notch are located at about a height of an axle of the bicycleframe and the fixed distance apart is horizontal.
 5. The bicycle parkingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first notch is a horizontal groove in aside of the first support member and exposed on a front of the firstsupport member.
 6. The bicycle parking system of claim 1, wherein thefirst lock and the second lock are configured to be electronicallycontrolled.